PROVO, UTAH, June, 2026 -- ScenicView Academy in Provo, Utah, welcomed autistic adults from across the country, including cast members from the Emmy-winning Netflix series Love on the Spectrum, to AutCon®, their annual convention by autistic adults for autistic adults. The 2-day convention offers a resource fair of organizations that support autistic adults as well as panels, social activities, and workshops from the autistic perspective.
This year’s line-up included workshops on mental health, AuDHD, independent living, health and fitness, social trauma and relationship repair, leatherworking, medieval combat, and other topics. Activities included speed dating (both queer and straight), a soda bar mixer, Pokémon, and a Love on the Spectrum panel featuring cast members from the show. Participants also completed a service project hosted by the Autism Council of Utah, assembling sensory kits for first responders across the state. All with social supports unique to AutCon®.
“Too often”, says AutCon organizer Kari Bushman, “empowering individuals on the autism spectrum is seen as unidirectional, but real empowerment involves listening to the experiences of autistic people, amplifying autistic voices, validating autistic ways of life, honoring the skills and contributions of autistic people, and providing a community of support for our autistic loved ones. That’s what AutCon is all about.”
“AutCon is people on the spectrum talking to other people on the spectrum. It's sharing coping methods, and workarounds, and ways of using our strengths to overcome our weaknesses,” says AutCon organizer and presenter Sarah Heuser. “I love my non-autistic friends and family, but there is something special about being in a group of people whose brains are wired like mine. It's a bit like the feeling of coming home. This is the feeling we hope others feel when they attend AutCon.”
ScenicView Academy will be offering AutCon Salt Lake City® this fall. Learn more about the event at AutCon.org or at svacademy.org
About ScenicView Academy:
ScenicView Academy is a nonprofit organization based in Provo, Utah, dedicated to supporting autistic adults in achieving greater independence and quality of life. Through comprehensive programming focused on life skills, social development, and career exploration, ScenicView empowers students to build meaningful futures and contribute to their communities.